How the law affects you

A Certificate of Destruction is an official Department of Transport document, which is issued to the registered owner of the car by our recycling centres.

The National Vehicle and Driver File will be updated to show that your car has been correctly disposed of and recycled, meaning that you're no longer responsible for it.

As long as you receive a Certificate of Destruction, there's no need for you to contact the Department of Transport in Shannon.

However, if your car is to be repaired and returned to the road it's your responsibility to notify the Department of Transport.

What do I need to do if my car is being returned to the road? 

You need your Vehicle Registration Certificate (called "Vehicle Licensing Certificate" if issued before May 2004) to be able to scrap your car.

Don't worry if you haven't got one, you can get a replacement by filling in form RF134 and taking it to a Garda station to be signed. You then simply need to send it to your local Motor Tax Office.

Download form RF134 to get a replacement Vehicle Registration Certificate from the Government website 

Download a list of Motor Tax Offices from the Government website 

If your car is being returned to the road, you should hand over your Vehicle Registration Certificate (called "Vehicle Licensing Certificate" if issued before May 2004) along with your car.

You’ll need to notify the Department of Transport that you’ve sold your car. The recycling centre will supply you with the appropriate form and help you to fill it in.

If your car was registered since 1st January 1993 you'll be given form RF105, which you should send to the Department of Transport in Shannon.

If your car was registered before 1993, you'll be given form RF200, which you should send to your local Motor Tax Office.

Download a list of Motor Tax Offices from the Government website 

What if I don’t have my Registration Certificate? 

A current photocard driving licence is all we need to confirm your name, date of birth and residential address. 

If you don't have a photocard driving licence, you can instead show another form of photo ID, along with separate proof of your address.

If there’s a minimum of three complete months of Motor Tax left on your car, you can get a refund for any complete months that remain.  

Applications for refunds of Motor Tax can be made to you local Motor Tax Office, using form RF120, which should be authorised at a Garda Station. You should send the form to your local Motor Tax Office, along with your Certificate of Destruction.

Download form RF120 and a list of Motor Tax Offices from the Government website 

Visit the Environment, Community and Local Government's website for more information on tax refunds